Recently, I was able to take my entire family to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament here in Baltimore. Having not gone before I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and for that every reason I thought I would share with you in case anyone wondered themselves.

First off, you will want to purchase your tickets, and they definitely recommend doing this before your arrival since seating is limited, so grab them online. Normally the prices are $59.95 ADULTS and $36.95 CHILDREN 12 & UNDER but definitely check online for special packaging and discounts. I just happen to have one for you. Head on over to Medieval Times.com and get the following discounted rates: Adults $36.95 and children (12 and under) $29.95 with the code MT3629 through 2/28/17.

Our Medieval Times is located in a mall so we didn’t plan for the extra traffic, although in hindsight we should have known better. Just make sure you allow yourself enough time to get to the location because there is a lot to do once inside.

Once at the location head to the ticket counter and grab your tickets. You will receive passes that are color-coded, and then receive paper crowns of the same color. The color represents your Knight and the one you will be rooting for during the tournament. It also dictates where you will sit.

Before going in you will get your picture taken, you will later have the option t purchase the picture as a keepsake. You can also purchase many other items like flags in your Knight’s color to cheer them on.

Seating is very much like a stadium with a ledge in front of you for your meal. You will sit with your color and very close to your dining neighbors. Speaking of dining, there is a set menu of garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, pastry of the Castle, coffee and two rounds of select beverages. You will also EAT WITH YOUR HANDS. Yep, so make sure you bring some extra napkins or wet wipes, although they do provide you with a couple.

Fun Facts: 125,000 gallons of soup are served each year and 400,000 gallons of Pepsi are consumed each year.

There is also a full-service bar is also available for adult guests. Vegetarian meals are also available upon request. You will be told to inform your server of any allergies you and your group may have. In my case, I have Celiac (gluten allergy) so they didn’t serve me the garlic bread or the pastry, in our case, lemon pound cake. I did get a bowl of fresh fruit instead.

Our server, Norman was amazing! He was outgoing, super funny and treated us like Kings and Queens while there. He even took a “selfish” for me. Be prepared to tip, as you should at the end of your meal. If your server is half as good as ours was you will tip with a smile.

Now onto the show, which has been going on while you are eating. Expect the entire dinner and tournament to be around 2 hours long. It doesn’t feel like it since you are always doing something, whether it is eating your meal or cheering on your Knight. One thing to note is there is no flash photography, so turn your flash off as you go in. This is to protect both the performers and the animals.

Fun Facts: All Knights begin their training as Squires – just as they did in the Middle Ages – learning horse care, sword fighting, and weaponry. It takes a minimum of six months of training to become a Knight.

You will see a jousting, swordsmanship, thrilling hand-to-hand combat, displays of extraordinary horsemanship and falconry as part of an exciting yet touching story set in Medieval Spain. We loved seeing the falcons and the horses. The falcons flew right over our heads, several times. I could actually feel the wind as it went by. I mention this in case birds are something that frightens you are someone in your party.

Fun Facts: 1. Each year, 25 foals are born at Chapel Creek Ranch, where they spend two years training. 2. The horses enjoy retirement at the ranch after 15 to 20 years of performing. 3. Medieval Times is the #1 breeder of pure Spanish horses in North America.(More information about our horses: http://www.medievaltimes.com/about-the-show/the-horses.html)

That is about it for what to expect. We had an amazing time and can’t wait to go back again. Judging by the little ones in the crowd that I observed and by my own older kids, it is the perfect place to take your children for a fun, exciting and unique experience. Remember, I have discounted tickets for you to take advantage of so you too can enjoy an evening at Medieval Times.

SPECIAL OFFER

*Must mention or enter code MT3629 at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other offer or group rate. Tax, gratuity and applicable fees are additional. Upgrades are additional. Not valid on prior purchases. Not valid Saturdays at Buena Park. Valid at all castles thru 2/28/17.